Transformational Leadership
for San Francisco
Leaders across San Francisco are doing powerful work to support young people, families, and school communities. As we select our 2026-2027 TEL Fellowship cohort, we hope to offer a small number of full scholarships for San Francisco Unified School District-connected fellows whose work influences children age 3-12. We encourage educators and partners whose work touches SFUSD to indicate their interest in becoming a TEL Fellow.
About the TEL Fellowship
The Transformative Educational Leadership Fellowship is a yearlong experience that supports leaders in strengthening their inner life, deepening their presence, and cultivating greater healing and equity in their schools and organizations.
TEL brings together a diverse community of educators who share a commitment to personal growth and systemic transformation. Through retreats, weekly touchpoints, coaching, and a caring community of practice, Fellows learn to lead from a grounded, values-aligned place.
For our 2026 to 2027 cohort, we are engaging in focused outreach to San Francisco based leaders and partners. We anticipate having scholarship funding available for fellows whose work impacts SFUSD communities, including full tuition and travel support.
Who We Are Seeking
We hope to connect with leaders who feel called to this work and who serve San Francisco communities in meaningful ways. Leaders may be a strong fit if they:
Work within San Francisco Unified School District
Work at a nonprofit or community based organization that partners with or serves SFUSD
Hold a role that influences the well-being or learning experience of SF students or families
Serve in a leadership role that impacts SFUSD programs for children age 3-12
Are committed to equity, healing, and practicing leadership from the inside out
You do not need to be an SFUSD employee to be eligible. A clear connection to SFUSD, either through your organization or your leadership role, is what matters most.
JOIN US!
If this opportunity resonates with you, we invite you to watch an Information Session and explore applying for the SFUSD TEL Fellowship.
Nominate a Leader
If you know someone whose work touches San Francisco Unified and who would thrive in a community of courageous and reflective leaders, we welcome your nomination. Your insight helps us reach educators and partners who are ready for this next step in their leadership journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The TEL Fellowship is a yearlong program that supports leaders in cultivating greater self awareness, relational capacity, and systems level impact. It includes two retreats, weekly virtual touchpoints, coaching, and a community grounded in compassion, equity, and presence.
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SF-connected leaders are those who work directly in SFUSD or who serve SFUSD through a partner organization, nonprofit, or community based program. This includes school leaders, counselors, instructional coaches, central office staff, program directors, and others whose work influences SF students and families.
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No. Scholarships are not yet guaranteed. Once the scholarship funds are confirmed, we will share an update via our website, social media, and via email with those who have expressed interest.
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No. Leaders may live outside the city as long as their work meaningfully touches SFUSD.
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Applications opened on January 15, 2026. Click here to apply.
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Yes. Alumni whose current work impacts SFUSD may also be eligible for scholarship support to attend the 2026 Alumni Convening.
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Yes. Eligible applicants' work must include but does not need to be exclusively focused on children age 3-12.
We Would Love to Connect
San Francisco is home to extraordinary leaders who are working with courage and purpose every day. We hope you will join us or share this opportunity with someone in your network.